Justice Minister: Gov’t would promote independence of the media

Justice
Minister Aboubacarr Tambadou said has said the government is committed to the
promotion of plurality, independence of newspapers and the media in general.

“This
government will reform media laws and will support citizen voices. It will also protect social media which could
serve as a vital tool in promoting the rule of law,” Mr Tambadou said in a
statement read on his behalf by the deputy solicitor general, Isatou Aiwar
Graham.

In
the statement delivered during a meeting by the Chief Justice and the members
of Bar and Judiciary held at the high court premises in Banjul on Monday, the
minister said the government would also encourage plural and independence of
the media.

Mr
Tambadou said the government would encourage the establishment of an
independent governing media board in respect of editorial independence.

“It
will also reduce the license fees and make it affordable to those at grassroots
level and would also ensure that broadcasters are protected against political
and commercial influences,” he said.
“And most importantly, the government would consider decriminalising
libel.”

He
minister added: “It should be noted that
media freedom goes with responsibility and obligations and restrictions that
will be necessary for respecting the rights and limitations of others.”